‘Spectacular’ but ‘harmless’ Mount Etna eruption sends tourists scrambling

Mount Etna's explosive eruption in Sicily sent ash and smoke spiraling into the sky at around 11:30 a.m., creating a pyroclastic flow hotter than 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. The eruption occurred after material from Etna’s southeast crater collapsed on its northern flank, causing lava to flow south, east, and north, leaving behind reddish material dispersed over surrounding areas. Air travel warnings were issued temporarily but were later deemed unnecessary as the lava did not threaten the population or natural containment areas. Videos showed people scrambling down the volcano amidst the ash clouds, while Etna remains Europe’s most active volcano, erupting 14 times in just under three months.